Stomach Distention and Chronic Water Retention

[bananaramma19]

About 7 months ago I went in with complaints about constipation, periods of rapid weight gain (3-4 lbs from one morning to the next, no matter my diet, that happened once, sometimes twice a month). I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and put on levothyroxine. It didn't help at all, and instead I started getting stomach distention (or bloating, but there was no gas/flatulence involved), to the point where I looked 4-5 months pregnant and could not eat even medium portions without getting bloated and uncomfortable.

I did a saliva test for a month to track my hormones and I was diagnosed with estrogen dominance. I read that symptoms of hypothyroidism are often effects of such, and since I had continued to increase my levo., as my doctor said, with no improvement, I instead quit the levo. The progesterone helps other issues, but I still get the same stomach bloating/distention I did while on levo. What do you think this can be attributed to?

Furthermore, as a side question and issue, since I was young I have experienced chronic water retention. I wake up in the morning and I look fine, but throughout the day I gradually get more bloated/flabby, and by the end of the evening I have ballooned out, on average 2.5-3" in the abdomen. It is all abdominal, nothing in my ankles, etc. Early on a doc associated it with carbohydrates (I was tested for food allergies and they all came back negative), but it does not look food related. I still retain the water, no matter what I eat. The progesterone has helped this condition some, but it is still a major problem. It goes away with a full night's sleep and if I take an afternoon nap, but comes back as usual a couple hours after I wake up.

Do you have any ideas? I know this is complicated and a lot of things to look at, but is there any direction you could send me in? Perhaps which kind of specialist I could talk to, or what kind of tests would be worth getting and looking at?

Thanks very much!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To take a closer look at the stomach and upper GI tract, you may want to consider an upper endoscopy.  This can include the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

I would also obtain blood tests to exclude H Pylori, a bacteria associated with ulcers and inflammation.

Regarding the water retention, you may want to consider evaluating the heart and kidneys - where diseases in these organs can lead to the symptoms.  An echocardiogram, blood and urine tests would be an appropriate start.

Finally, you may want to ensure that the hypothyroidism is well controlled.  If not, it can manifest in all the described symptoms as well.  

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[bananaramma19]

Also, just to add in case it helps any, I am 24, was a college soccer player, and still work out/play 5 times a week, so my health is good (BMI of 19, and no issues with cholesterol or any of that). Running and exercising, however, makes both issues much worse, as does hot/humid weather, and increasing hydration does not make any difference either.

Thanks!